Mold growth is a common issue for homeowners. It best thrives in moist, dark areas, but it's not always easy to detect. If left untreated, spores can lead to health issues and costly damage to your home. Fortunately, there are signs that indicate you should schedule a professional mold inspection to assess the problem. Here's what to keep in mind.

How to Tell Your Home Might Have a Mold Problem

1. Musty Odor

Mold has a distinct musty, earthy smell. Even if you can't see visual evidence of growth, the smell may alert you to its presence and allow you to trace it to the source. If you're having trouble pinpointing the exact area, it's likely within one or more walls or beneath flooring. A mold inspection professional will locate it, determine the best access, and remove it safely.

2. Old Leaks or Flooding

Any place in your home that has experienced leaks or flooding may be vulnerable. Common places include around toilets and underneath sinks. Basement flooding and leaks commonly result in leftover or permanent moisture, leading to significant mold growth if the room isn't completely dried out. 

Meanwhile, walls that appear warped or have bulges may contain growth behind the surface. Cracked paint and bubbled wallpaper are also common indicators. 

3. Physical Health Symptoms

Mold can cause stubborn allergy-like symptoms when there's enough of it present in the home. Experiencing a runny nose, sneezing, and headaches without a clear reason why can potentially mean you have one or more colonies growing. Depending on the location, spores may circulate through the HVAC system and make family members feel unwell even if they're not spending time near the growth.

Keep track of how you feel inside the house as well as outside. If you don't notice the symptoms while outdoors, your next step should be to schedule a mold inspection. Spores can cause severe problems for those with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions, so it's important to remove the issue as soon as possible upon detection.

To verify that your home has a mold problem, contact the experts at 1-800-BUSY-DOG in Walpole, MA. They have been providing homeowners with thorough mold inspections and removal solutions for over 30 years, with emergency services available when customers need them the most. For more information on their services, visit them online. Call (800) 287-9364 to schedule a visit.